SHREVEPORT, La. — The Greater Shreveport Chamber’s Business Development Connection has named 16 honorees for the 2026 ATHENA International Leadership Award.
The honorees will be recognized Nov. 12 during the ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino. One of the 16 will be selected as the 2026 ATHENA International Leadership Award recipient.
This year’s honorees are Karen Baker, Feamula R. Bradley, Golden A. Ellis, Dana Fergins-Hawthorne, Dr. Felecia Gipson, the Rev. Meredith Jane Hanna, Tuesday Lee Hill, Dr. Krystal Player-Jackson, Jessica Latin, Dr. Krista Queen, Dr. Kenya W. Claiborne Roberts, Famia Roots, Cindy Smith, Dr. Jane Sugar, Dr. Toni Washington Thibeaux and Dellanee Wade.
The ATHENA program recognizes individuals based on professional achievement, community service and efforts to help others, particularly women, develop their leadership potential.
The luncheon is presented by Ochsner LSU Health.
The ATHENA International Leadership Award program began in 1982. According to the Greater Shreveport Chamber, nearly 8,000 leaders in more than 500 communities have received the award since the program’s inception.